Chasing the Swamp Fox Francis Marion

[@mattbutler458]

I was born and raised in South Carolina. I have worked outdoors in the Pee Dee and Low country... The swamps are rotten and full of snakes and alligators and mosquitoes. Any man that could move quickly and thrive within those swamps is truly tough and full of grit!

[@jasonc3522]

I have heard of letters written by colonists to family members in Europe claiming that the forests in the new world were clear of brush and undergrowth. The natives used for in a regular basis to manage game so I wonder if they also used for to clear the upland swamps as well.

[@beerhunter2814]

I could not imagine evading the strongest military (at that time the British) also having a bloodthirsty psychopath like tarleton on your heels , hiding/maneuvering in those humid swamps of South Carolina , mosquitoes/alligators/God knows what else and risking everything attempting unorthodox tactics like guerilla warfare which was un heard of !!! This man is a true American patriot 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 he should be held in the same light as Washington in my opinion , I salute you sir .

[@ThatGuy-2882]

I was also born and raised here in SC. Francis Marion is someone I've idolized, studied and followed in his footsteps. Having walked some of the exact same ground, undisturbed like he would have walked, I have to agree, he was FULL of Grit! Let me tell you from experience, Black Swamp is NOT for the faint of heart. Lynches River, Jeffries Creek, Big and Little Pee Dee River, Santee, Four Hole Swamp, all treacherous to navigate. Just imagine trying to navigate that ground while fighting for freedom and being pursued by a blood thirsty maniac like Tarleton. F.M. was as hard as woodpecker lips, that's for sure.

[@southerntiger3107]

One of the Greatest Generals we ever had -- American History doesn't give this General as much credit for saving the Revolution

[@supersami7748]

Southern Tiger Not only Marion but his close friend Light Horse Harry Lee, of which some people today want to erase that family name.

[@stephr9859]

The South Carolinians do not get their due in the American Story. I have been astounded to discover some remarkable characters in my family tree, including Pinckneys and members of Marion’s merry men. Although I had nothing to do with it, I feel pride and appreciation.

[@AngelMarqueztheGuardian]

Wasent a patriot based on this guy ? According to his achievements it’s of those like the main character in that movie

[@scottkelly9139]

@@AngelMarqueztheGuardian That's what Gibson claimed originally, but he later decided that Marion's true story wasn't exciting enough, so he just used a few bits of Marion's life

[@Schizniit]

Anyone who can still fight in the woods while healing a broken/deformed ankle is a real tough guy

[@iopjacket]

I grew up in Kingstree, Williamsburg County, SC and have read a lot about Francis Marion. Marion’s men were also called the Williamsburg Militia. I was somewhat surprised that the Carolina Marsh Tacky horse that many of Marion’s men rode was not mentioned during the discussion of the brigade’s mobility. The breed were feral descendants of horses left by the Spanish after abandoning their fort and settlement at Port Royal. The Marsh Tacky horses adapted to living in the swamps before being domesticated by the colonist. No other breed of horse could move through the terrain like the Marsh Tacky. During the Revolutionary War, Williamsburg County was predominately Scott Irish who hated the British even before their churches and homes were burned. Marion was always informed where the redcoats were located.

[@slowtwist]

My wife's three times great-grandfather Thomas Mills was a swamp fox soldier. His father, brother and he helped build Ft. Moultrie with Marion. When Charleston fell they went on the run with Marion. He was also a member of the Cornstalk Militia with Simon Kenton. His great-grandfather was Samuel Mills, one of the first born in the Plymouth Colony and one of the founders of Jamaica Long Island New York. They were English. Thomas lived to over 100. He is buried in the Sand Run Cemetery Francisville Kentucky.

[@matthewbruce7732]

I had to write a 10 page essay on a figure from our countries past an I found out about this man ! I have been fascinated by him an his story ever since ! Dude is a legit bad ASS!

[@beerhunter2814]

Marion seems to come off as a green beret/or a navy seal of the revolution war

[@waynehuff3984]

@@beerhunter2814 Many Men of that time could live deep in the Wilderness and be comfortable. What we call survival skills they called common sense. Matthew I agree with you, He was a Bad Ass and never broke a sweat. British may have been the best Army but we were the Best Men.

[@steve-cs7le]

How could I claim to be a fan of history and not know about Francis Marion? Too many historical figures get buried by time. I would have fought with this guy to the end. We as a people will never appreciate the unknown people who've shaped our own histories. Marions Rangers live!

[@notagovslave5614]

We may get our chance soon to truly fight for our freedom against tyrannical powers. May We meet on the field and restore this once great nation Brother. Semper fi and God Bless. Hua!

[@RExSolutions]

I have known the name "Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox" since I was 16 and worked in the public library. i am from SC and only 55 years later have begun a detailed study of Revolutionary figures, thanks to the internet and videos like yours. Thanks much.

[@kerryanderson2520]

As a dissendent of the Scots-Irish/Over Mountain Men, I've been fascinated by the Southern Campaign of the ARW for many years. I'm amazed as to how the Americans in SC defeated the British Empire/NA TWiCE!

[@TulipXX]

My 5th great grandfather served under Gen. Marion at the santee swamp. His name was Azariah Doty.

[@hughjunit2503]

Thank you to your grandfather x5 for helping save the country. That's some family history!!!!!

[@marcusmaddox2176]

@@hughjunit2503 Yes. Thanks to your family

[@williamsmith8475]

I spent a portion of my childhood in a Georgetown, SC house located on the corner of Duke and Screven St. My mother was raised there. After SC fell to the British, the house was quartered by British troops. The patriot girl who lived in the house at the time would listen in on British military tactics and pass on the intel to Francis Marion in the graveyard out back (Prince George Episcopal). My brother is buried in that graveyard. I still remember running all around that place as a child playing “civil war” haha

[@michellepeeler4397]

I just discovered Francis Marion. He is my family. I am learning sooo much!

[@briarholt49]

Awesome!

[@briarholt49]

@@michellepeeler4397 wow really?

[@mechcavandy986]

One of my ancestors fought with Marion, S.V. Cartledge. My wife has an ancestor who fought with him too.

[@yelloworangered]

Thank you for this great program about our American hero, Francis Marion. What a shame it is that his name did not remain as well known as Washington's.

[@kickapootrackers7255]

A great leader surrounds himself with great men.

[@jrg7951]

Father of US army Guerrilla Warfare according to the US Army Rangers.

[@rc59191]

Thought Robert Roger's held that honor.

[@rc59191]

@Maxim Charles Oh I stand corrected lol I was only an Airman but some of my famiy were Rangers surprised I never heard about him before.

[@chrissilsby4312]

The Green Beret is the Amry group that you can make a direct point of being from this general. Roberts' Ranger is more for the RANGER.

[@scotttomlinson5689]

Hmmmmm, I believe that was Robert Rogers in the French and Indian war!

[@bearxbunny1835]

I find this time period in history to be absolutely fascinating!!!

[@hothmandon]

Yes but remember back then you had to worry a hell of a lot more about catching small pox then you are today and back then unlike today the common cold had a way better chance of killing you thanks to the lack of anti biographiques and vaccines. Also the best medical option available at the time was blood letting which often made you even more likely to die.

[@whateveritwasitis]

I thought I was the only corny guy listening to these. I go to sleep listening to these

[@psilvakimo]

I first heard of Francis Marion as a child from Walt Disney.

[@MrGary10k]

I can hear the song from that movie to this day!!

[@DalonCole]

Stop calling me Shirley

[@LarryAKuhn]

My high school fave teach mr Cullison loved the swamp fox. I’ve never forgotten about either of them. Nice video

[@justingreene8821]

My family has been living in the middle of Francis Marion National Forrest for generations. It was so dark at night time, it used to terrify me going down south to see my family for the summer. There was a light orb that would float around the swamp every night. It would change colors and bounce up and down, like a ball, and once in a while it would come down Greentown rd, right by my grandma's trailer, and light up my whole room. I was freaking terrified. When Hugo blew threw it flattened all the pine trees. The trees used to be so tall they would block out the moon and stars. Hundreds of years of growth was just laying flat on their side, you could see clear across the whole swamp. We drove down to bring water and batteries to my family. Another bad memory that sticks out in my mind, was seeing all of my ancestors and died family members caskets and coffins washed to the surface, and laying all over our church grounds. We had to rebury all our kin folk. Ever since they paved the dirt roads to asphalt the light orb never came back around. Im glad cause I hated that light orb.

[@coreysmith556]

Bless your family. I remember Hugo too.

[@alvinweaver1450]

Doing family research I found out he was one of my ancestors. I also have a native American great grandmother, a great great grandparents who came here and married they was from France and Scotland and then I had other great grandparents who came here from Germany and another set from Ireland. I am basically a mutt and I love it since i identify as an American. My great great grandparents came here from Germany in 1850 and they fought for the union in the civil war and great great grandfather died fighting in civil war.

[@dougmoore5252]

The right man in the right time & Place, Thanks be to God.

[@rankedpsiguy1]

I'm age 60, and first heard of Francis Marion when I read a book in elementary school. Don't recall the author, but the title was Francis Marion - Swamp Fox of The Revolution. This was probably about 1968.

[@thomasswafford250]

Probably the one I read.

[@backwoodspiper3033]

Sounds like the one we read in school in the 80's

[@carywest9256]

Have been to Francis ''The Swamp Fox'' gravesite.lt is near Monck's Corner,S.C. north of Charleston. He was a little bitty feller,but a genius at guerrilla tactics.

[@carywest9256]

@Dustin Dyer Who's this Furtick feller? Educate a Texican whose ancestor Joseph Willis fought under Francis "The Swamp Fox"Marion.

[@nottyvondutchmusic2354]

Direct descendant here. Here's a neat little fact. It was a family tradition after his death to use the name in two variations every other generation to keep the name alive. Men were to be named Francis Marion, and women Marion Francis. My grandmothers name was Marion Francis, skip a generation, and my name should of been Francis Marion. Part of me is happy this didn't happen, the other, not so much, as I'm proud of my heritage. Thanks for the video!

[@mikemarion19]

He didn’t have kids. You must be related to his brother

[@SCscoutguy]

He never had any children so you can't be his direct descendant. His last known living descendant of his brother Gabriel died during the 1918 Spanish flu. You could be a very distant cousin. It was extremely popular at the time to name your children after him however. There were hundreds of children named Francis Marion or Marion Francis after the war from hundreds of different families.

[@johnlecaroz1441]

@@SCscoutguy are you sure? My grandfather, Steven marion, is related by blood, most likely he did have kids, just not documented

[@SCscoutguy]

@@johnlecaroz1441 It is extremely well documented that he never had children and having illigitimate children would be highly unlikely considering his very strict French Huguenot religious practices. He never had any children and he wrote about the fact that he regretted it in his personal papers. Dr. Joseph Stukes from Francis Marion University in Florence SC spent his life researching Francis Marion's life and family. The only people living today that would be related to him would be extremely distant cousins. Marion was a very common surname in in the Pee Dee region of SC during the late 1700's and early 1800's. There were at least 11 different Marion families living in the region at the time that were not related or at least distantly related. Almost all of the people that live in present day Marion county and the greater Pee Dee region of SC now that have the surname Marion are not blood relations of Francis Marion as his family line has been extremely well documented.

[@SCscoutguy]

@@johnlecaroz1441 You are not the first person to have a grandparent or family member tell them that. They are probably not knowingly lying to you it is just something that was told to them at some point. Some family member in the past just probably figured because they had the same surname that they were related and it went on from there. If you want to read on further about him and his papers that discuss his regret at not having children you can look at the Gibbs Papers collection at the SC dept of Archives and History or you can look at the Francis Marion file at SC historical society in Charleston SC. They both go into great detail about his family line.

[@whateveritwasitis]

Can anyone else even imagine even for a second, to be without shoes? Fighting riding camping marching? No shoes. I can't fathom it, can't even put myself mentally in that space

[@adventureswithmarsh]

They weren’t so dependent upon shoes as we are today.

[@axplayer6918]

Whom ever contributed to the making of this video should be proud of it. Including the previous generations who keep the stories alive until now. I somehow think that Had Cornwallis not tried to conquer South Carolina, the seige of Yorktown may have been different. Much more difficult. Thank you

[@TheMimitwo]

To easily remind people of Frances Marion, the main character of the movie, "The Patriot," played by Mel Gibson, is based on the Swamp Fox! Also, Walt Disney made a mini-series about General Marion for the TV program, "The Wonderful World of Disney." You can find it on KZbin. On a personal note, at the time of the American Revolution, it was popular to name a newborn baby in honor of the war heros. I have a hand written paper naming the successive 7 generations named after him...all Frances Marion Davis. A cousin and I, both baby girls born in the 1950's, have proudly kept the name going! So far I have one young granddaughter who has reassured me she will carry on the tradition!

[@History1700s]

Great documentary of the Swamp Fox. I have added it to our The American Revolution Playlist. I hope that you receive many viewers from it. Rick Brainard, Editor

[@KevinGSmith-mi8js]

This American Patriot was a stealthy cunning warrior! SALUTE! 🇺🇸 Anyone out there related to him I have American Patriot ancestors that knew him! Pee Dee swamps and River of the Carolinas I have an French Huguenot ancestor Capt John Dejarnette who lived near the Pee Dee River in Ansonville NC Francis Marion visted him. I also have another Scotts Irish ancestor Colonel Andrew Hampton that knew him. Patriot Officers of the American Revolution married family into families of Officers of the American Revolution ( They had money and land)🇺🇲🇫🇷SALUTE!

[@frhythms]

Cool. And thanks. I just found out that my g-g-g-g-g-g grandfather, Felix Motsinger (Matzinger), Sr., and one of his sons, Jacob, assisted Francis Marion. Felix, 48, supposedly, was known as the "eyes" of Marion and one of his sons, Jacob, 14, was known as the "swift legs" of Marion. Felix assisted in the procurement of food, horses and information (guess that's why he was remembered as "eyes"). Felix Sr. was born in Marthalen, Switzerland and emigrated to Pennsylvania with his father on the ship named "Mercury". He later moved to North Carolina.

[@torimarion8556]

Francis is my great great grandfather. He also has a hotel thats still running.

[@mandrew296]

Francis Marion had no kids, but he did adopt a relative he raised as his son. I don’t think this Marion family ran the Marion Hotel in Charleston, but it was named after him.

[@SCscoutguy]

@@torimarion8556 Francis Marion never had any children. It is impossible for him to have any grandchildren.

[@rweezy6246]

​@@torimarion8556 it's funny how families lie for generations about where they are from, to the point that it's believed. I was always told my gggg gma was full blooded Cherokee Indian... Welp DNA proved otherwise lol. Don't feel to bad.

[@henochparks]

my ancestor is Daniel Mc Goodwin who fought at Eutaw Springs.

[@katyboatright6075]

the movie the patriot first got my interest peaked in this man, but only peaked evermore after learning the truths about him

[@NPC13377]

In guerilla warfare a small army becomes quick in movement, easy to use hit and run tactics, and hard to find. A large army becomes slow, out in the open, and easy to find.

[@Voo504Doo]

my ancestor served under Marion in 1782.. patriot was my fav movie ever before i learned my ancestry, must be in my blood.

[@eutropiofelipeacmajr.5069]

The Indian Wars and blood feuds of the migrant settlers trained the American revolutionaries against the British and the European warriors. The Europeans are usually 'stand-up' soldiers relying on the inaccurate smooth-bore rifles and the bayonet charge in a discipline compact formations reminiscent of the Greek Phalanx and the Roman Century in an open ground. Whereas, the Indian Warriors prefers the forests as their battlegrounds using the trees as their shields which the Militias and the frontier settlers adopted including the ambush and the long rifles. Those British who serve in the Indian Wars campaigns belittles it. Thus, the British with their Hessian Mercenaries have no answer to those maneuvers.

[@socratesnewell5009]

My ancestor was a Ranger. This is neat.

[@12345sc1]

George Washington never threw a silver dollar across the Delaware River, it was the Potomac.

[@j.dragon651]

I highly doubt he did that.

[@natzkiefab5649]

The forerunner of guerilla warfare. A largely unsung, scantily known hero.

[@charlescates5703]

Where my fellow South Carolinians? Monck's Corner here.

[@dewdrop6822]

CHARLESTON!!!!!

[@michellepeeler4397]

I am related to Francis Marion aka The Swamp Fox. I am beginning to learn about him and was unaware until now. This part of our family fled here from religious persecution. What's soo crazy is we ALL have the same nose! 🤣

[@faithwhitaker2032]

My grandpa always said we were distantly related to him

[@highbrass3749]

I have a feeling we’re soon going to need another Francis Marion to help keep Americans free. The ones that want to be free of course.

[@geezerjack]

I imagine the Patriots learned guerrilla warfare from the Indians.

[@jacobbrawdy2684]

Nice theory!!!

[@richarddoyle7994]

I am the descendant of his nephew, Gabriel Marion.

[@mikemarion19]

Same

[@MrAdamchristopher2]

According to this doc your a communist partisan

[@brettjenkinson5888]

@@MrAdamchristopher2 I don’t think that’s the point but ok

[@idolhanz9842]

I'm a descendant of his older brother Issac. Marion's brother Issac had a daughter named Rebecca who married Samuel Dwight. Their son Francis Marion Dwight was told if he would drop the Dwight , he would be General Marion's adopted son and heir as General Marion had no son and married Ester Cordes late in life. F.M. Dwight said no! My first name is Richard and my middle name is Dwight. F.M. Dwight was my great great great great Grandfather.

[@andypandy-ys3xy]

Never heard of Marion.. But I do now..

[@leftyjakobson8151]

One of my relatives is swamp Fox

[@idolhanz9842]

I'm a descendant of his older brother Issac. Marion's brother Issac had a daughter named Rebecca who married Samuel Dwight. Their son Francis Marion Dwight was told by Gen. Marion if he would drop the Dwight , he would be General Marion's adopted son and heir as General Marion had no son and married Ester Cordes late in life. F.M. Dwight said no! My first name is Richard and my middle name is Dwight. F.M. Dwight was my great great great great Grandfather.

[@hothmandon]

Clearly Mel Gibson doesn't give a fucks about history. His character Benjamin Martin was based off of Francis Marion Who was considered the swamp Fox but in the movie he was called the gost. Brave Heart and even apocalypto are also guilty of historical inaccuracies as well. As a kid I should have done my own research and gain the knowledge for myself instead of watching these movies and saying that's exactly how it all went down.

[@jamieryall8341]

Can the loud background music.

[@incomemobile8566]

George Washington slept here.

[@lilwobblywade6324]

The Disney Version is very entertaining as a side note.

[@samuelthurman2731]

Sons of Liberty!

[@user-jz3ub9fb5j]

My great uncle cousins sisters friend on my aunt Martha’s mommas side fought with him at the battle of the jiggle hut after they got done saving Utah from the mongolian hoards..one time.

[@backwoodspiper3033]

Wasn't the movie The Patriot loosely based on Francis Marion? Or am I way out in left field?

[@kennethhigdon1159]

Steven Sparks you are correct sir

[@scottkelly9139]

@@kennethhigdon1159 Very loosely by the time the film was made, although when Gibson 1st announced the project it WAS supposed to be about Marion

[@johnlaboone6063]

MARION,Pickens & Sumter.

[@sheilagibson982]

My husband was a big fan!

[@AmericanPatriot1778]

It was no civil war they were fighting for their family and friends...AND AMERICA...

[@fritzduquesne3691]

Inspiration for Mel Gibson's character (Benjamin Martin).

[@denniswolf6706]

Gibson's character was a composite of these men:- Francis Marion - Elijah Clarke - Daniel Morgan - Andrew Pickens - Thomas Sumter

[@bearxbunny1835]

I would say Daniel Morgan bears the closest resemblance to Benjamin Martin, IMO

[@j.dragon651]

I was surprised to learn only about 5000 British soldiers deserted and stayed in the colonies. I thought it would have been more.

[@twicebitten260]

Don't try to wach.....just listen. The video quality is horrendous.

[@thomasgoss8181]

Salute

[@loganfball93]

*sits on end of bed at hotel at the beach waiting to go out to the beach*

[@amosrusie3936]

Most slaves did not fight with the patriots they joined the British army. In fact it was in the thousands. They were freed and relocated in Canada after the war.

[@miketaylor5212]

that was true in the war of 1812 in the revolutionary the british didnt tend to do that as they didnt want to make anymore enemies than they already had they were trying to hang on to peoples loyalty not make them mad.

[@t.j.payeur739]

This managed to make some of the most interesting subject matter of the war as absolutely boring as possible. Unless one had an ancestor involved....

[@adventureswithmarsh]

I found of one of the swamp foxes camps on Wambaw

[@idolhanz9842]

Rebecca Marion -- Francis Marion Dwight ---- Richard Yaden Dwight ---- Henry Ravenel Dwight ---> Rowena Ravenel Dwight ---> Patricia Langley Dwight ----> Me! Richard Dwight ( last name withheld )

[@Aluminumtalk]

I feel marion army was full of slaves because the swamps in the way they moved so fast....

[@SouthernHiker]

❤

[@spankthatdonkey]

You wonder if Mosby or Ashby studied any of Marion's tactics?

[@rweezy6246]

You know Wade Hampton lll did LoL.

[@MadMax-bq6pg]

Did I hear right? The commander had the brothel burned? I cannot think of something to make you a more despised commander.

[@edwinsalau150]

When Joshua took Jericho the only person he spared was the prostitude that allowed his spies into the city!

[@torimarion8556]

Omg.. THATS MY GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER. I SWEAR. OMGOMGOMGOMG

[@torimarion8556]

Its true I have the last name.

[@torimarion8556]

And my father told me. Wow!

[@mikemarion19]

Tori Marion same

[@SCscoutguy]

He never had any children so it is impossible for him to be your grandfather.

[@johnlecaroz1441]

@@torimarion8556 we are related then

[@CaitlinSk]

Err...I heard Virginia was the richest...

[@11spiritwarrior]

This is an informative fascinating documentary. Unfortunately the sound is very subpar.

[@jayfelsberg1931]

Sounds like the freed prisiners were taken at Camden

[@kenprovus9195]

VERY HARD TO WATCH!

[@jovitacervantes4150]

Shantal Cervantes.

[@chrissilsby4312]

I have heard this and believe it too. American Revolutionary War was started in the North, fought in the South, and won by THE FRENCH at Yorktown.

[@hothmandon]

NEVER TRUST MEL GIBSON!!!

[@mishawakapost2681]

General Sherman practiced a scorched earth policy during his Southern campaign in the Civil War.

[@timokeefe2948]

He knew how to deal with terrorists

[@timokeefe2948]

terrorism was at the head of the American revolution too. voting out of the Union was not an option

[@timokeefe2948]

Terrorists must be dealt with harshly secession is treason.

[@garrettlauzon1656]

+Tim O'Keefe yeah he's an asshole anyways. Sherman actually never ordered the burning of Atlanta. His men burned it while he was practically asleep

[@timokeefe2948]

nah i was baiting him .... a bit

[@kayden8408]

I'm not even joking. That is my great grandfather

[@neoneyes3913]

This nigga fought in a whole war, watched his men die, and showed extreme bravery, just so his grandkid could become a furry

[@SCscoutguy]

He never had any children so it is impossible for him to be your grandfather.

[@johnlecaroz1441]

@@SCscoutguy no it isnt, my grandfather, Steven Marion, said I am a great great great great grandson of him,

[@johnlecaroz1441]

QuickIronDoge that means we are related

[@SCscoutguy]

@@johnlecaroz1441 It is impossible. He never had any children and it is extremely well documented in his personal papers. He isn't anyone's grandfather.

[@jayfelsberg1931]

It takes awhile for the establishment to give credit to volunteers that did well in battle. Nathan Bedford Forrest is now recognized as a self-taught military genius, but it too awhile. Another example was John Logam, =n, a politician that served in the War of Northern Aggression. Logan rallied part of the army at Atlanta after James McPherson was killed, riding along the line cryung "Who will hold the line with me?' with the troops shouting :Black Jack, Black Jack." He was, of course, not given command of that part of Sherman;s army, which instead went to the blunderer O.O. Howard, famed for getting his butt licked at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Logan was later up to replace Thomas at Nashville and was actually sent there, but Grant changed his mind and was going to there himself before Thomas finally got off his butt and defeated Hood's badly outnumbered Confederates.

[@humangnomeproject7176]

Lol, this guy was a hero for the wrong side of every struggle. He fought bravely against tyranny (British) while owning 100 slaves and taking part in the genocidal French Indian War. Who is tyranizing who here? This guy fought for his own bourgoise plantation interests and nothing more. He fought so he would no longer have to kick up to the British in their monstrous colonial project. He wanted to be the tyranizer.